Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal is finally done
Take a deep breath. Savour the air. We finally live in a world where we don't have to worry about it anymore. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King is officially signed, sealed, and delivered.
After October 13 brought news that the UK Watchdog had cleared the process of Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, it has just been announced that the deal has closed. The purchase has officially gone through, and we're free. Well, until everyone starts rowing about Call of Duty.
Xbox has officially bought Activision Blizzard
Click to enlargeThis is officially the biggest acquisition in the history of the gaming industry (by a pretty wide margin, too), and even in spite of the naysayers like PlayStation's Jim Ryan pushing back, it is concluded.
"As one team, we’ll learn, innovate, and continue to deliver on our promise to bring the joy and community of gaming to more people," says Phil Spencer in a new blog post on the Xbox website, confirming the news.
"We’ll do this in a culture that strives to empower everyone to do their best work, where all people are welcome, and is centered on our ongoing commitment of Gaming for Everyone.
"We are intentional about inclusion in everything we do at Xbox – from our team to the products we make and the stories we tell, to the way our players interact and engage as a wider gaming community."
Xbox says thank you to fans who supported the deal
Click to enlargeMicrosoft has thanked you for your support, adding, "For the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, we want you to know that today is a good day to play," Spencer continues. "You are the heart and soul of these franchises, and we are honored to have you as part of our community.
"Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or mobile, you are welcome here – and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn’t where you play your favorite franchise. Because when everyone plays, we all win.
"We believe our news today will unlock a world of possibilities for more ways to play. Thank you for the ongoing support. We have so much more to come in the months ahead – I'm excited for the future and cannot wait to share it with you."
It's pretty huge news that the deal has closed, bringing to an end the most arduous legal process that the gaming industry has ever seen. Now, let's all try to get along in the newly paved Capitalist hellscape of an industry.
